From the 'March of Time' series, this fascinating film documents the high-end night club scene of New York City in the post-war years. Scenes and people include the 21 Club, discussing expensive tipping, poor quality food, and showing visitors Orson Welles and Elliott Rockefeller. The El Morocco Club; The Stork Club, showing celebs Jinx Falkenberg, Otto Preminger, and Ed Wynn; Jimmy Dorsey and band at the 400 Club; the Ink Spots singing at the Zanzibar; Greb & Lober dancing at the Embassy Club; La Martinique Club featuring Danny Thomas; Cafe Society owner Barney Josephson coaching Guadeloupe singer Moune (Cecile Moumoune de Virel Jean-Louis) on poise and showmanship, and featuring a song of hers (she was profiled in Life Magazine's April 1, 1946 issue); Eddie Condon's jazz club; outrageous performances at Sammy’s Bowery Follies. Moune was . The advertising copy for this film read "The modern family has a nice home, the latest electronics, an up-to-date kitchen, and money to spare for entertainment. Family outings may include a movie, a basketball, or hockey game, or bowling In New York’s “Bistro Belt” adults have their choices of fine dining, dancing, or attending a show."
Reviewer:
mlarraya
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May 27, 2025 Subject:
Use of film in documentary
Hello. I am a spanish filmmaker and I am very interested in using parts of this film in a documentary set in the 1950s that I am working on at this moment.
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Could you help me find the owner of the rights and provide some contact information. Thank you.
Reviewer:
Naskeag
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 7, 2024 Subject:
A Special Treat!
My parents are seated at the table being served pressed duck in the "21" Club footage. I was later able to source and purchase the full 8+ minutes of the
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footage shot at "21", and my parents fill the last four+ minutes. It's the only video I have ever seen of either of my parents. They were very good friends of the Kriendler family, owners of "21". This would explain how they got drafted into posing for this program segment. When I sent a digital copy to the Kriendler children, whom I have known all my life - they had never seen it, nor the photographs I have with their father, Bob Kriendler, and my father, George Percy, serving together in the Pacific during the Second World War. This has lead to a close friendship with Bob Kriendler's daughter (83), and we just spent a lovely day in NYC with her, this past May (2024).
Reviewer:
kerriganm
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 13, 2015 Subject:
Great fun and a vicarious thrill.
Fun look at the "post-war" night club scene in New York. If, like me, you've seen tantalizing glimpses of the big night clubs in books and movies of the
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time, you'll get a thrill here. El Morrocco! Copacabana! The 21 Club! (Excuse the brag- I've actually had lunch at 21! Gloat!) Unfortunately, the only famous face that will ring bells today is that of Orson Welles. I'd like to have done more star-spotting here. The backstage look at these Meccas is fascinating. Too bad these days are gone.